Hotels Roll Out the Welcome Mat for Pets and Their People

If your vacation dreams include Fido lounging by the pool…you are in luck! A variety of hotel and motel chains are not only pet friendly…but offer amazing services to ensure the comfort of your Fido or Felix! All that is left to do is get the all clear from your vet, learn your destination’s pet policies and hit the road.

Quality Inn & Suites near Ybor City and the Fairgrounds is a new hotel and they want to meet your pets! Quality Inn has a $25.00 pet fee and no weight limit. They have had cats, dogs and even a ferret or two sign their guest book. Quality Inn is part of the Choice Hotel group which includes other names you may know such as Sleep Inn, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion and others.

Choice Hotels has over 2,500 pet friendly hotels across the country…so chances are, a Choice Hotel will be where you are vacationing. Their website also offers pet safety and travel tips. Visit: www.choicehotels.com.

Westin is part of the Starwood Hotel Group which is the parent company of Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Four Points and others. This world-wide company offers many pet friendly hotels. Visit their website to find one! www.starwoodhotels.com

Looking for a smaller, boutique hotel? Hotel Indigo is the one for you! The boutique hotel chain is part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group and offers 36 unique hotel experiences world-wide. The Hotel Indigo I spoke with is located in the heart of St. Petersburg and offers access to pet friendly restaurants, dog parks and more! Visit www.ichotelsgroup.com

If your idea of a vacation includes spa time, gourmet meals and a lot of pampering…and you want the same for your dog…you must visit either the glamorous Ritz Carlton or a posh Loews Hotel.

The Ritz Sarasota offers a Privileged Pup program wherein your under 20lb Fido can enjoy either a Therapeutic Swedish, Full Body Relaxation, Invigorating Sports or Senior pet massage. All massages are 60 minutes and cost $130. Organic meals prepared by request. www.ritzcarlton.com

Loews Hotels have a motto: Loews Loves Pets! And they certainly do. From spa packages at the LoewsDon Cesar to Su ‘Ruff lessons at Loews Coronado Bay your pet will be nothing but spoiled. Loews has a low pet fee of $25 and no weight limit! www.loewshotels.com

State and local laws will dictate what each hotel can offer and allow. A quick phone call to your destination will give you all of the information you need for a fur fabulous vacation!!